Mrs. Cleo Broughton, 90, of Road Fork, passed away Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2026 at the Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born April 19, 1936 at Barnyard, the daughter of the late Lloyd and Mariah Mills Townsley.
Cleo was a homemaker and the owner and operator of Broughton’s Grocery. She was known for her devotion to her Lord and a faithful member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. She was a woman who found her greatest happiness in the simple, meaningful moments of life. She shared a special and loving bond with her two sons, who she loved dearly and who in turn cared for her with devotion and compassion. Cleo deeply loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who brought endless joy to her heart. She had a passion for cooking and delighted in preparing meals that brought everyone together around her table. Cleo was an avid fan of the University of Kentucky basketball and found great joy in listening to gospel music and Loretta Lynn. She was known for her love of the color purple, eating fresh tomatoes with salt and never missing an opportunity to share a laugh. Cleo will be remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to family and the happiness she spread so freely.
On October 10, 1953, she united in marriage with William Houston Broughton and to this union two sons were born.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Houston; brothers, Linville Townsley and her twin brother, Theo Townsley; a great grandson, Bennett Isaiah Moses and special friend and roommate, Shirley Taylor and Elizabeth Mills.
Survivors include her loving sons, Terry Broughton and wife, May, of Flat Lick and Scott Broughton and wife, Valerie, of Barbourville; sisters-in-law, Lois Townsley of Barbourville, Ida Stroop of Frankfort and Axie Jordan of Barbourville; a brother-in-law, Rev. Bill Gray of Mt. Washington; cherished grandchildren, Kevin Broughton and wife, Amanda, Jennifer Stacy and husband, Kyle, Meredith Moses and husband, Ben, and Scott Tanner Broughton and wife, Keeley; great grandchildren, Cooper Norton Stacy, Riley Houston Broughton, Bryce William Stacy, Miles Dean Moses, Carter Daniel Broughton, Charleston Scott Broughton, Amelia Grace Broughton, Mia Addison Moses, Kade Jensen Stacy and Fallyn Marie Broughton; special friends, Thelma Smith, Gustie Hinkle and Loma Bargo; together with many cherished loved ones and faithful friends who will miss her deeply.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Tuesday, May 5 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Rick Broughton, Rev. Tip Smith and Rev. Mickie Smith officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Houston Broughton Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Ronnie Townsley, Bob Corey, Randy Broughton, Stephen Broughton, Nasby Stroop, James Stroop, Keith Jordan, Timmy Jordan, Danny Jordan and Jamie Gray.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center for the excellent care given to Cleo.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Monday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Tuesday prior to the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of CLEO BROUGHTON.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
